Organic foods tend to have more beneficial nutrients, such as antioxidants, than their conventionally grown counterparts, and people with allergies to foods, chemicals, or preservatives may notice that their symptoms decrease or disappear when they only eat organic foods. The Department of Agriculture (USDA) has established an organic certification program that requires that all organic foods meet strict government standards. While several studies have determined that organic foods can have significant positive results, others have not found sufficient evidence to recommend organic rather than conventional (1). People with food sensitivities may also find that organic foods are easier to digest than non-organic or more processed alternatives.
Some data show the possible health benefits of organic foods compared to foods grown using the usual (conventional) process. The organic food industry is a booming business and, with the recent sale of natural food giant Whole Foods to Amazon, it is expected to grow even more in the near future. Another review of 233 studies found a lack of solid evidence to conclude that organic foods are more nutritious than regular foods (20). In this post, we'll discuss what makes food organic; we'll discuss the various benefits of eating certified organic foods; we'll discuss why they've become so popular; we'll share what impurities you may be ingesting by not eating organic food; and we'll talk about why many still have reservations about “going organic.” Several previous studies have found that organic foods generally contain higher levels of antioxidants and certain micronutrients, such as vitamin C, zinc and iron (4, 5, 6,.
Evidence on whether organic foods contain more antioxidants and nutrients than conventionally grown foods is conflicting. Halden says that vulnerable groups, such as pregnant women, young children, the elderly and people suffering from allergies, may benefit most from choosing organically produced foods. Organic foods contain no hormones or GMOs, contain fewer pesticides (if any), use fewer preservatives, and often contain a higher level of nutrients. There isn't enough strong evidence available to show that eating organic products provides health benefits compared to regular foods.
Food additives and preservatives and even some antibiotic-resistant bacteria found in non-organic foods can have toxic effects on the body and contribute to long-term health problems, although more studies are needed to demonstrate the seriousness of these claims. Eating organic foods can reduce exposure to artificial chemicals, added hormones, and antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Discover the difference between organic foods and their traditionally grown counterparts when it comes to nutrition, safety and price.
